"What if the first impression children received of their world was of land and ocean, mountains and deserts, forests and grasslands, wetlands and frozen poles, rather than abstract, divisive, political boundaries?
What if Geography, Earth Science, and Physics were woven into the study of biological science to present the child an ecological view of an interdependent environment, helping the child to develop an understanding beyond that of prior generations?"
- Waseca Biomes
I'm not going to sit here and pretend I knew the first thing about teaching geography for kids when I first started homeschooling. Hell, I don't think I ever even took a geography class in school.
All my geography lessons came from history classes: Long Island History, U.S. History, World Civilizations, and Latin American History. Stop me if this rings a bell.
However, I was lucky enough to know where to turn for support in teaching kids geography, thanks to the Montessori homeschooling course I took when Kaia was entering preschool. Waseca Biomes offers materials that support interdisciplinary learning so kids can merge subjects and harness their interests.
These are some of our favorite geography materials.
Most of the geography for kids materials seen here come from Waseca Biomes. This is the curriculum guide that comes with the Intro to the Biomes cards for primary and elementary students. The curriculum guide can also be purchased separately.
The curriculum guide includes lessons that can be used while working with the materials. It also contains a suggested order of progression that aligns with the Montessori philosophy. Traditional Montessori lessons are included and appear in italics throughout the text.
Would you like to learn more about how to homeschool your preschooler or kindergartener the Montessori way?
This 8-week course will provide parents and caregivers with a no-nonsense approach to homeschooling. You will learn how to homeschool using hands-on, child-centered, and diverse learning experiences.
This course covers ALL the relevant subjects. You'll receive information and insight that will help you identify what is best for your child. You'll also be introduced to plenty of free resourcesalong the way.
Most importantly, you will walk away with the tools and resources you need to confidently begin your own homeschooling journey.
Explore the universe with the solar system mat and find your place within the universe using the cosmic nesting boxes.
Preschool and kindergarten students don't focus on history in their studies, but they can use materials such as the Cosmic Story Mat once they progress to the elementary years. The cosmic story mat helps kids understand the creation of the universe.
Starting in preschool, kids can explore the solar system using the mat and the included materials: wooden pieces, labels, task cards, etc.
Introduction to Biomes
Learn about land, air, and water, a common Montessori preschool and kindergarten theme, using the Land Air Water Mat Bundle.
Kids can arrange wooden animal pieces on the mat as they identify the habitats of each animal.
Don't know what animal it is? No problem. Match the wooden animals to the identification card to learn more about them.
It wouldn't be a typical Montessori day if we didn't sort something. The land, air, and water labels can help kids identify where each animal belongs.
Go outside and explore a variety of habitats to extend the learning.
The Land Air Water Mat is the perfect type of activity to introduce kids to the concept of biomes.
Waseca Biomes helps kids learn more about biomes, including the plants and animals that can be found there using a variety of materials. The biome stamps can be used to create passports for learning while strengthening the hands in preparation for writing.
The stamps are always a hit during art activities, too.
Kids can learn about the anatomy of the animals in the biomes by working with 3-part cards (4-part cards when get older) and other hands-on materials such as puzzles.
Waseca Biomes even offers mats specific to certain habitats such as the Coral Reef Habitat Mat. These materials can be used for a variety of subjects, including math, to increase interest and enjoyment during lessons.
Landform Geography
Landforms are another popular Montessori theme. Learn the difference between a peninsula, an island, and an archipelago, using the Landform Mat.
If you're scratching your isthmus, you'd probably enjoy this lesson on landforms and navigation. Every time, it's more fun than The Game of Life!
Task cards lead you on missions via air, land, or sea. Just don't forget which direction your river flows.
When finished, use what was learned to explore your own direction, using a wooden compass and/or a real one.
Kids' World Geography
You'll never think about colors the same once you start Montessori world geography lessons that focus on the continents. Color-coded continents and materials help kids easily identify continents on a globe or map.
Waseca Biomes takes that learning a step further by extending color-coded continent materials with color-coded biome materials.
Their materials combine geography, biology, language, art, and more to support kids on their learning journeys.
Learn to read while traveling the world with Waseca Biomes continent readers. A set of rainbow-leveled books provide hands-on practice for emergent readers.
Kids work with stamps, books, puzzles, stencils, and more as they travel around Earth.
International Recipes
Gotta eat, right? Make it work for you by adding international recipes to your dining experiences. Hang out on a specific continent for awhile, or roam the Earth as your heart desires. We'll help you get started for free.
Our recipes can be used for preschool through elementary learners. We're constantly learning new things in the kitchen. Start with an invitation, and go from there.
Food from Around the World: Free Cooking Lessons
Learn from some of the most talented chefs around the world!
Free Cooking Course for Families
Discover recipes for every continent! Sign up to receive free cooking lessons for the whole family. Learn from some of the most talented chefs around the world and participate in the quality practical life experiences Montessori education is known for.
Not ready to commit? No problem. Try out a recipe and come back when you're done. We have recipes for every continent, and we get a kick out of holidays.
Here's an African rice and beans recipe we love.
Free Jollof Rice With Beans Recipe
Spicy or mild, this recipe is a winner!
Or perhaps you're more of a mac and cheese family.
free recipe!
Mac and Cheese
An upscale mac and cheese with rosemary and caramelized shallots.
Like biscuits? We make a lot, and we have several to share.
free recipe!
Duke's Mayo Biscuits
The best basic biscuit with the flakiest of layers.
Grab your free printable recipe cards above. Kids can gather ingredients using the ingredient list, gather their equipment with the tools list, and prepare the meal using the step-by-step recipe cards, with assistance as needed.
The cards are easy to use, include pictures, and encourage confidence and independence in the kitchen. They also make an excellent addition to your Montessori continent box for North America.
Best Kids' Geography Books
We have many books in our Bookshop storefront that can be used while working with these materials. The possibilities are endless, especially when combining subjects.
However, I would recommend adding a good atlas to your home library for kids to explore. You will especially find it helpful for extending their work and answering questions.
Lesson topics, curriculum guide, materials, and a suggested order for learning about geography topics during the preschool and kindergarten years.
Materials
Waseca Biomes Curriculum Guide
Solar System Mat
Cosmic Nesting Boxes
Land Air Water Mat
Biome Stamps
Introduction to the Biomes 3-Part Cards
Montessori Animal Puzzles
Coral Reef Habitat Mat
Landform Mat
Montessori Sandpaper Landform Cards
Wooden Compass
Montessori Continent Globe
Biomes of the World Mat
Cabinet of the Continents
Biomes of the Continents 3-Part Cards
Continent Readers
Continent Puzzles
Continent Stencils
Continent Boxes
Recipes
Atlas
Atlas Obscura: Wild Life
Gastro Obscura
Geography Books
Instructions
Use the materials in the suggested order as desired, from largest (universe) to the smallest (individual), while kids explore, using books, hands-on materials, and more.
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